Sharing the Christmas Spirit

Seafarers may not get home for Christmas and may not even be in a port during Christmas. They are one of our “Lifelines”, bringing to the Thunder Bay goods we need and improve our economy by taking away goods being exported to foreign countries. Seafarers on ocean-going ships are away from home for six to twelve months to a year. 

One way to express our appreciation to these dedicated individuals is by sharing a little of our Christmas Spirit with them through the tradition of gift giving. This may help to make it a little less lonely for them.

Starting in 2016, we delivered Christmas Gift Bags to foreign crewed ships in port in December. Crew size varies from 9 to 22 and an average is 19. We prepare for 14 ships, so our target is 266 Gift Bags. There are a few female crew or passengers each year, so we prepare 4 Gift Bags for women.

Go to the Statistics page for the annual Christmas Gift Bag statistics.

Once again we are appealing to you for donations so that this outreach program can be continued. Suggested items you might choose to donate are:

  • mittens/gloves;
  • toque;
  • socks;
  • neck warmer
  • playing cards,  hand-held games/puzzles;
  • small tool: flashlight, screwdriver; 
    • tooth brush;
    • tooth paste;
    • disposable razors 
      (other toiletries are not needed);
    • Chap Stick; and
    • Individually wrapped chocolate.

      Donations may be given to your MtS Congregational representative or brought to the Seafarer’s Centre (Keefer Terminal, 100 Main St.) no later than the second last Monday in November.

      Financial donations are also accepted that will be used to purchase additional items for the gift bags; click here if you would like make a financial donation. We budget $2,200 to purchase items for the gift bags.

      A team of people gathers in the 3rd week in November to assemble the gift bags.  If there are more ships than expected, a second session is held in the 1st week of December to make up additional gift bags.

      Your contributions will be gratefully accepted; for additional information contact the Seafarers’ Centre 807-344-8241.